Police have today launching a two-week crackdown on criminals growing cannabis across Merseyside.

Activity will take place in all five force areas - Liverpool, Knowsley, Wirral, Sefton and St Helens - and raids will be carried out at addresses across the county.

Officers on foot will be assisted by the Dog Section and the latest technology, while the National Police Air Service will provide aerial assistance with the police helicopter to spot suspect properties.

Police will visit retailers such as DIY stores and garden centres to raise awareness of the types of purchases made by criminals looking to set up cannabis farms, such as large quantities of cannabis and other growing equipment.

Outlets selling hydroponic equipment, commonly used for cannabis cultivation, will also be targeted.

Officers will speak with letting agencies and landlords, as many cannabis growers take advantage of short-term tenancy agreements to grow the drug. Unoccupied properties could be subject to utilities being disconnected and other partner agencies will be educated on the signs a cannabis factory is in a property.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Richardson said: "Criminal groups involved in the cultivation of cannabis are usually involved in other serious organised crime and use violence, intimidation and exploitation of vulnerable people to keep their illicit businesses going.

"We know that disputes over the supply of cannabis have been responsible for violent assaults and even shootings so we are determined to take these farms out of action.

“They will often rent residential and industrial properties in the heart of our communities, so our focus over the next two weeks and beyond will be on those properties being used to grow cannabis around Merseyside.

“We will have officers on the ground and use the latest technology available to us to find cannabis farms and execute warrants. During the next fortnight, we will aim to disrupt the activity of criminal gangs who are intent on bringing these highly dangerous farms into our communities.

“Last year our cannabis dismantling team seized more than 25,000 plants from in excess of 330 cannabis farms, so on average our officers are attending around one farm every single day."

"Each seizure represents money being taken from the pockets of criminals."

Some of the signs that cannabis is being grown are:

• Strange smells and sounds

• Frequent and varied visitors to a property, often at unusual times

• Gardening equipment being taken into a property, such as plant pots, fertiliser, fans and industrial lighting

• Windows are sealed and covered or the curtains are permanently closed

• Heat from an adjoining property

• Birds gathering on a roof in cold weather

• Individually these activities may seem commonplace, however, together may indicate something more sinister

Anyone with any information can call police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.